Worship Resources Intl.

MUSAIC 2008 was sponsored by a Philipino worship training ministry called Windsong Christian Music Ministries; they have been involved with doing worship training in churches all over the Philippines for 20 years. This was their first major conference to try to pull together worship leaders, musicians and pastors from many different churches–hence the conference theme, "Diverse People, United Worship." An important part of that goal was the teaching on unifying, foundational biblical principles of worship which they asked be to bring. There were also extended worship times, special interest sessions (some of which I spoke at also), a night of new songs (winners of a songwriting contest held in preparation for Musaic), and a closing concert of prayer.

While they did not have the numbers they had hoped for, it was a good group of enthusiastic, committed and godly people. They hope to make an annual event; in the meantime, Windsong taped all of the sessions to use for expanding the ministry of Musaic in an ongoing way in the churches of the Philippines.

The Philipino people are very warm and friendly and joyful people. They were a delight to be with and very appreciative of my contributions. They also love to make (and be in) photos! I made some good friends among the conference organizers and their families. 

The August issue focuses on the theme of competing tastes in worship, and includes:

• Theme article: another Tapescrew Letter to his under-demon nephew Woodworm
• A Parable
• Quotations on the issue of taste in worship
• "Global Worship": focus on a past event and a future one
• Info on important upcoming worship events 

 
Please click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as…")
Also, please check out my new quotation blog, QUOTABLES

The July issue focuses on the theme of "Defining Our Terms," and includes:

• Theme article: "A Confusion of Terms" (on the origins and use of the phrase "Praise and Worship")
• Quotations of definitions of worship from many different writers and traditions
• "Sing to the Lord": some strangely contemporary perspectives from a 16th century Puritan
• "Global Worship": report on the first-ever Ethnodoxology course
• Info on important upcoming worship events

 
Please click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as…")

Also, please check out my new quotation blog, QUOTABLES

An “Introduction to Ethnodoxology” course, developed by a collaborative team from the International Council of Ethnodoxologists (ICE) in cooperation with the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, saw a great response from students when it was held for the first time in June 2008. Some responses from students:  

•    “This course will challenge you to see the world with new eyes”
•     “The Ethnodoxology course is perfect for . . . pastors, mission committee members, worship leaders and coordinators of mission trips. It has definitely broadened my horizons while equipping me better for ministry here in my local home church as well as cross-culturally.”
•     “My excitement over the class has not waned. My new phrase is ‘Something I learned from my class last week was . . . ‘  Thanks again.”

Dr. Thomas Bolton, Dean of the School of Church Music and Worship, said: “I have heard nothing but rave reviews from this class, and I hope and pray this was but the first of many such collaborations. I would like to see SBTS at the forefront of an ethnodoxology movement. God bless you as you continue your work.”

In addition to the learning sessions, the students enjoyed active participation in a number of other events – visits to local ethnic churches and a moving Global Hymn Festival led by Dr. C. Michael Hawn, well-known speaker and author on world congregational song.

ICE Coordinator Robin Harris commented, “The Introduction to Ethnodoxology course is on the cutting edge of ‘best practice’ for churches and missions. We are delighted to see the positive response from SBTS and look forward to partnering with them in the future to help people connect with God’s heart for worship and mission.”

The June issue focuses on the theme of "Theology and Doxology," and includes:

• Theme article: "The Principle of Praise: Theology Serves Doxology"
• Quotations on the relationship of Theology and Doxology
• Info on important upcoming worship events

 
Please click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as…")

Also, please check out my new quotation blog, QUOTABLES
 

The May issue focuses on the theme of "Giving Our Best," and includes:

• Theme articles: "The ‘Waste’ of Worship (Mark 14:3-9)" and "Music for Worship: A Means rather than an End"
• Quotations on "Excellence in Worship"
• Sing to the Lord (Reflections on Congregational Song): guest article by Bob Kauflin, "Is Repetition a Help or a Hindrance?"
• Notes on Global Worship
• Book review: The Message in the Music: Studying Contemporary Praise and Worship
• Info on important upcoming worship events
• Info on new online resources and important upcoming worship events

 
Please click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as…")

Jesus, Joyful Thought (a new tune to the text of "Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts" with a verse of "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee" added; the publisher enhanced the arrangement by adding optional strings). This one is out of print at the publishers, but can still be found (including the string parts) from other online distributors.

O Most High (with optional congregational verse) 

To Praise Thy Name (text by Isaac Watts) 

Mp3 demos and publisher info for all three may be found on the Resources page

The April focuses on the why, what and how of Thematic Worship, and includes:

•  Theme article: "Thematic Worship: A Rich Feast for the People of God"
•  Listing of possible worship themes and corresponding titles
•  New feature: Global Worship, this month dealing with "What (or Where) in the World is ETHNODOXOLOGY?"
•  Sing to the Lord (Reflections on Congregational Song): "Singing as Jesus Sang (and Sings)" — wise words from Sinclair Ferguson
•  Book notice: Proclamation and Praise: Hebrews 2:12 and the Christology of Worship by Ron Man
•  Info on important upcoming worship events
•  Click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as…")

The March issue focuses on the theme of God calling us to worship and includes:

• Theme article on "Giving God the First Word"
  
• Guest article on "The Call to Worship" by Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Seminary
  
• Quotations and resources on God’s call to worship
• Info on important upcoming worship events
• Click HERE to open PDF (left-click) or to download (right-click, "Save link as…")